Sicherheitsdatenblätter

Sicherheitsdatenblätter, often abbreviated as SDB or SDS (Safety Data Sheet) in English, are documents that provide information about the hazards of a chemical product and advice on safety precautions. They are a crucial part of chemical safety management in workplaces. The primary purpose of a Sicherheitsdatenblatt is to communicate potential risks associated with the handling, storage, transport, and disposal of a chemical substance or mixture.

These documents are regulated and follow a standardized format, typically consisting of 16 sections. These sections cover a wide range of information, including identification of the substance or mixture and the company, hazard identification, composition/information on ingredients, first-aid measures, fire-fighting measures, accidental release measures, handling and storage, exposure controls/personal protection, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicological information, ecological information, disposal considerations, transport information, regulatory information, and other information.

Sicherheitsdatenblätter are legally required for hazardous substances and mixtures placed on the market. Employers are obligated to obtain and make these documents accessible to their employees who may be exposed to these chemicals. Employees should be trained on how to read and understand the information contained within a Sicherheitsdatenblatt to ensure they can work safely with hazardous chemicals. The information provided helps in risk assessment, developing safe work procedures, and selecting appropriate protective measures.